ANNA Member Spotlight

Welcome to ANNA's monthly member spotlight. ANNA is a vibrant organization because of nurses like you! Your diverse experiences and unique perspectives make us a collective whole that is a masterpiece. We are proud of all the work each of you do.

If you would like to be featured, try using our online community, ANNA Connected. Members are featured in the Member Spotlight based on their engagement in ANNA Connected, so start connecting, talking, and getting to know other ANNA members via ANNA Connected.

Karen Echavez, BSN, RN, CNN

How long have you been in nursing?

28 years

How long have you been in nephrology?

20 years

Why do you love nephrology?

Nephrology is an area of nursing practice where I feel that I am able to make a significant difference in my patients' lives as well as my family and friends. When my patients thank me because they feel "safe " in our dialysis clinic, then that's when I know that I made a difference. Renal patients in general are very trusting. Ensuring that the environment where they dialyze has all the safety procedures in place and sticking to it is our way of giving back to them.

What is your favorite ANNA member benefit and/or what do you love about being a member of ANNA?

Being an ANNA member has provided me with tremendous and countless opportunities to expand my knowledge in nephrology. Using ANNA Connected, specifically the Open Forum, is like having a mentor in the digital world.

Do you have a favorite patient story that reminds you why it's all worth it?

I was the only opening RN in the dialysis unit, and it was my first day after my dialysis orientation. I was ready to administer an ESA IM injection to Mr. X, and he flatly refused. He didn't give any reason and despite explaining to him that there was no one else who could give him the injection, he was still very adamant that he would not receive the shot from me. He would wait for the other RN to come in to get his injection. I had a lot of questions in my head but went on to give the rest of the patients their shots while explaining and talking to them. A few weeks passed and one day Mr. X called me and told me that he would allow me to give him his shot that day. I took the opportunity and gave the shot to him. He then thanked me and stated: "They (the other patients) are right. They said that they don't hurt when you give the shots." This made me realize that complete trust from my patients is one of life's most rewarding experiences.

What are your favorite hobbies and/or pastimes outside of nursing?

I love to travel with my family within the country and internationally. Cultural immersion enhances cultural competence. As a nurse, this is one of the greatest tools that I can use to take care of my patients.